The U18’s drew their final match of the season as they finished strongly in their respective league. They lost just 2 of their last 13 league matches.
They started off this match lethargic and on the back foot. Witness Mhango headed an early corner off the line for the Blues and shortly later, Hayden Ling conceded a penalty but to Leiston’s relief, Liam Macken hit the crossbar. Leiston were struggling to create any chances as Brandon Ling saved a header from Macken. Whitton took the lead on the half hour when George Ablitt took advantage of a rare mistake by Brandon Ling to just poke the ball home. Ben Carter shot over from distance for the away side while Owen Pierce put some decent balls into the penalty area but Leiston couldn’t get on the end of them.
Macken got rode into the area for Whitton shortly after half time but Brandon Ling palmed the ball around the post for a corner. Leiston then had a good little spell in the match as Zac Gissing possibly could have had a penalty then Kai Fletcher couldn’t capitalise on a fumble from away keeper Harry Green. Clear cut chances were hard to come by from both sides but after good work by Witness Mhango, he was taken out in the area and he got up to convert the penalty in the 77th minute to the keepers bottom right hand corner. Leiston tried for a winner with Joe Murphy clearing off the line at one end from a headed attempt then in the 95th minute he hit a great shot but Green got down well to his right hand side as both teams shared the points.
Matt Murphy and Neil Cole were both taking charge of their final match together for the U18’s and the club would like to thank them for what they have done in their 3 years at the helm and wish them every success in what they do in the future.
Line-ups: -
Leiston U18’s: - Brandon Ling, Hayden Ling, Roberts, Barrack, McGuckin, Eyre, Konnor Fletcher, Murphy, Leggett, Pierce, Mhango. Subs (all used): - Cowan, Kai Fletcher, Warner, Gissing, Garnham (GK).
Whitton United U18’s: - Green, Company, Andrews, Carter, Wright, Nevard, George Ablitt, Simpson, McWilliam, Liam Ablitt, Macken. Subs (used): - Holmes, Whight, Charway. Subs (not used): - Reed, Dillon.
Man Of The Match: - Max Cowan.